fuel pump noise

[Marco Rolandi]

Hello,

I have a 1983 240 GL SW with 170k on it and, lately, I noticed a noise
from the fuel pump in the tank when I have < 1/3 gas. What could be the cause?

Also when the pump is noisy the car has a hard time starting, but still
runs quite well.

Is the pump inside the tank reasonably easy to fix? Could it just be one
of the O-Rings in the system? Do I need to change the fuel pump? How do I
access it?

Thanks,
Marco.

 

[Vrparts]

I have a 1983 240 GL SW with 170k on it and, lately, I noticed a noise

from the fuel pump in the tank when I have < 1/3 gas. What could be the
cause?

When the gas is low, the pump is exposed, therefore easier to hear. The normal
problem with this pump is failure of the short hose that connects the pump
discharge to the fuel line. When the accordion shaped hose fails the external
pump receives gas and air (foam). That is not good for the external pump. The
in tank pump is cheep. Get a replacement from your local parts house. Change
the pump and filter sock. Use plain fuel line hose to connect it. Don't make
any sparks!!! You may just save the expensive pump. I replaced the tank pump on
my 86 240 when it got noisy at about 200K mi. I never replaced the external
pump.

Do it soon, meanwhile keep the tank over 1/2 full.

Good luck
Al


Had
79 245 D,
81 240 D,
86 240 320,000mi and running fine when traded
94 944 Green 257,503 mi CRUNCH Parted out
Have
94 944 White 149,000 The New one
94 944 Maroon 135,000 mi